plate no. 9146

Family Scene

Fernando Botero, 1969

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitfamilyfigurescattoysgardenportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in proportion exaggeration and creating smooth, rounded forms with subtle shading. It also provides practice in depicting a complex scene with multiple subjects and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and placement of the figures and objects.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of green and brown, creating a textured effect.
step 03
Block in the main colors of each figure and object, focusing on the overall shapes and proportions.
step 04
Start adding shadows and highlights to create volume and depth in the figures.
step 05
Pay attention to the subtle color variations within each object to create a sense of realism.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces, clothing, and toys, adding texture and patterns where appropriate.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the cat's fur, the train tracks, and the highlights on the figures' skin.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and details.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black · sap green

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the skin tones, adding white for highlights and a touch of red for warmth. Use sap green and yellow ochre for the background foliage, adding brown for shadows. Mix ivory black and burnt umber for the dark clothing and the cat.

techniques